The Colombo District Court has issued an injunction against the publication and distribution of the book “Kapati Upasakaya” (The Deceitful Devotee), which makes serious allegations against Mr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela, the incumbent Diyawadana Nilame (Chief Custodian) of the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.
The book, authored by Dr. K. A. Dharanitha, a senior lecturer at the University of Kelaniya, has been challenged in court by Mr. Dela, who claims the contents are completely false and defamatory. He filed a lawsuit requesting the court to prevent the book from being printed, distributed, or published until the case is concluded.
Presiding over the case, Colombo District Judge Sadun Withana, on July 17, issued an interim injunction and restraining order, granting the request based on the merits of the complaint submitted by Mr. Dela.
According to Mr. Dela’s petition, “Kapati Upasakaya” accuses him of corruption, misappropriation of temple funds, antiquities theft, and other criminal activities, all of which he vehemently denies. He emphasized that all accusations made in the book are untrue and that previous legal proceedings on similar claims have already resulted in his exoneration.
The book allegedly mentions:
- Illegal sale of lands belonging to the Temple of the Tooth
- Disappearance of a golden Buddha statue
- Misplacement of 38 kg of gold from the Sabaragamuwa Saman Devalaya
- Abduction of baby elephants from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Creation of a Mini Cooper’s buffer and handles using stolen gold
Dela asserts that none of these allegations hold legal ground and confirms that no laws were broken concerning temple property, which, under the Temple and Devalagam Ordinance, cannot be sold or transferred.
He further stated that the publication appears to be politically motivated, as he is preparing to recontest the upcoming election for the position of Diyawadana Nilame, scheduled for September. He believes the defamatory narrative is an attempt to tarnish his reputation and undermine his candidacy.
Additionally, an injunction has also been obtained against Nishshanka Mayadunne, also known as Nishshanka of Galkanda Puravantalaya, for conducting media discussions based on the book’s allegedly false contents. That case too remains under court examination.
Dela emphasized that the false and malicious claims published in Kapati Upasakaya have caused significant damage to his personal integrity, honor, and dignity. The court’s injunction stands as a legal safeguard until the matter is fully adjudicated.
